Now back in the Edgeley Park fold, and preparing for Sharks' crucial Heineken Cup clash with Castres, Cueto reflected on his most recent stint with England.

The winger recalled: "The squad has been there or there abouts for the last 12 months.

"It's a great atmosphere, particularly after the three Autumn Tests, which proved to people we're definitely back on track.

"Out of the three Tests the Samoa game, who are supposedly the lesser team of the three, was probably the most physical game I've ever played in.

"That's proof that, even at club level, there's no easy games, which is a bit of an old cliche. You've got to prepare the same way physically and mentally for every game.

"Now I'm back with the club, it's a tough couple of months ahead."

Not as challenging as last year when internationals returned to a struggling side who had slipped down the table.

This season, with a stronger squad, there's no such worries as, despite defeat at Bristol, Sale retained the top spot.

Cueto told Express: "It's brilliant, Philippe and Kingsley have done a great job in strengthening the squad here, there's never been as much competition for places.

"For the boys to win three out of the four matches, during internationals, is a great achievement, we couldn't have asked for any more."

There is now so much talent in the squad Cueto believes no-one's spot is safe.

"The minute you start getting complacent and you expect your name to be on that sheet is the time you start slipping away," he explained.

"Whether it's Sale or England I never assume I'll be in the team.

"Every time I go out to train or play I see that as an opportunity to keep your place."

Thoughts are now on France and Castres, a team Sharks beat during pre-season, but Cueto warns that Friday's challenge will be a sterner test.

"Pre season games are difficult to go by," said the British Lion.

"There was nothing at stake for that game, it was a friendly and it was played at a neutral ground - I expect it to be a lot different in their own back garden. They've got big strong forwards and if they get dominance there they've got dangerous backs who can cause trouble."